A place to belong….
Something I’m experiencing for the first time is finding a church home. I’ve visited several good churches that are candidates for my search, but somehow I’m finding it difficult to settle on one place. The last church I was at I knew people there and they made it easy to plug in and get involved. I stayed at that church for 8 years and felt I had a family. Now that I’m in California there are so many good churches to choose from it makes my decision that much more difficult to narrow down. So I’m taking time to pray and really seek God in this season of change.
So I have asked myself in a search of my own heart, “Am I afraid to settle down?” As a person who spent her whole life in the church I’m prone to throwing my whole self into a church and getting overly involved. So there’s a part of me that’s apprehensive in this search. Or maybe have I just not found the right place yet and must continue my prayerful search.
So what are some qualifications that one should look for?
Worship Style – a place I can dance around in, and throw up my hands in abandonment in corporate worship. It’s a place that captures the heart of God in worship.
Teaching Content – a place that is meaty and rich in content. More than applicable, they are spirit-led, life giving, challenging messages.
Fellowship – a place where people are celebrated and not tolerated. I’d like to hang out with hilarious, crazy and inspiring people who challenge me.
Involvement – a place where I can contribute my gifts, talents, and skills to disciple and equip the next generation.
If you are in a similar search, I would encourage you to continue on and let God lead you. But remember that no church is perfect and does not exist just “for” you…its about growing the Kingdom, and that means growing ourselves.
So more than a place to belong…it’s a place to be stretched.
